Vegan Tasting Menu at Quaintrelle, Portland

Last year, Quaintrelle closed its Mississippi location and reopened in the Clinton neighborhood a few months later. Quaintrelle has been one of my long time favorites for modern, seasonal fine dining. I love bringing out of town guests to Quaintrelle, where they’re always wowed by the experience. The new space on Clinton exudes the moody atmosphere of the original location, but incorporates colorful art and decor that reflects the same whimsy and creativity that you find throughout Quaintrelle’s food and beverage menus. It’s got that special feeling of same, but different when you dine at the new Clinton location. I think that’s what we’re all looking forward after the whirlwind of the past couple years.

Disclaimer: The vegan tasting menu was part of a one time special event and does not reflect the restaurant’s everyday menus. Please refer to the restaurant’s website for current offerings.

Quaintrelle’s Vegan Tasting Menu

When I first visited Quaintrelle on Clinton for the friends and family preview, I was wowed by the outdoor space that’s enveloped with tall bamboo. Such a beautiful space for al fresco dining, especially during the summer.

I made a reservation to go back a week or so later with a friend to experience Chef Ryley Eckersley’s latest tasting menu. The vegan tasting menu featured remixes of the regular dishes, highlighting the best of the best of late summer produce. The result was a masterful sequence of ripe peaches with compressed melon ribbons, hearty tomatoes and roasted fennel on chewy focaccia, blistered peppers with complex chili paint, and sweet, tender squash and crunchy radish over a velvety congee. There’s no doubt that Ryley is very talented.

Too often, vegan desserts at a non-vegan restaurant feel like an afterthought, but I can’t stop thinking of this summery bowl of peach and strawberry sorbets with macerated fruit and shiso accents. I was so full by the time dessert arrived, but I wanted to lick the bowl clean.

I only tried one cocktail — the dreamy and herbaceous Mystical Aperture. I’m looking forward to trying more of bar manager Camille Cavan’s knockout cocktail menu. If you’re not feeling a cocktail, there are zero proof beverages as well, along with a thougthfully curated wine list by wine director Chris Cooper. If you’re not sure what drink pairing to order, just ask; the Quaintrelle team has never steered me in the wrong direction.

If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly and upscale dining experience, I highly recommend Quaintrelle. As the menu is vegetable forward to begin with, the kitchen is always able whip up stellar vegan and vegetarian dishes. However, it’s always a good idea to give them a heads up when you make your reservation.